Davis, director of programs for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and professor of history at Virginia Tech, focuses on the dietary habits of Civil War soldiers. He offers a history of cooking and shares tales of the sometimes appalling ways soldiers and even war prisoners fought hunger during the war. A section of authentic period recipes for meats, fish, vegetables, beverages and desserts is included.

Davis is a two-time nominee for the Pulitzer Prize and the author of more than 40 books on Civil War and Southern history.

* David Poyer has released "A Country of Our Own," (Simon & Schuster, $25) the newest volume in his Civil War at Sea series following "Fire on the Waters" and featuring protagonist Ker Claiborne.

In "A Country of Our Own," Claiborne leaves the Virginia Navy for the Confederate Navy where he is appointed captain of the raider, CSS Montgomery.

Barnard explains why certain foods, such as cheese and chocolate are irresistible and how to cut them from your diet. The book includes a three-week menu plan with recipes to help readers begin the program.

For information, call 671-2331.

BOOK DRIVE. The Daily Press announces its second "Summer of Stories" Children's Book Drive through Aug. 3.

The newspaper is collecting new and gently used children's books for donation to local nonprofit organizations serving underprivileged kids.

Books can be dropped off in the main lobby of the Daily Press building in Newport News, Peninsula Chick-Fil-A locations, Peninsula Barnes and Noble book stores, The College of William and Mary Bookstore in Williamsburg and Ukrop's Super Market in Williamsburg.